Three tips for giving more sustainable gifts

Nov 23

For some of us, each year can feel a bit like a never-ending cycle of gift giving, with birthdays, anniversaries, festive holidays, and a number of other special occasions to think about. If you’re eco-minded and want to do your bit to protect the planet, finding a way to give more sustainable gifts that won’t go to waste is essential. To help, here are our top three tips.

Choose quality over quantity

A quality gift could potentially last a lifetime, while lots of small, unnecessary presents may lack the same kind of quality that one gift of the same price would. When you’re shopping, try to choose items that are made from durable materials or are more eco-friendly, choosing metal and plant-based materials over harmful plastics. Be sure to choose materials that can be repaired and reused, or at the very least recycled, to avoid them unnecessarily ending up in a landfill.

A quality gift isn’t just about what it’s made of, of course – try to buy items your loved ones really need, for a useful gift that’s less likely to go to waste. Consider asking them for a wish list if you’re unsure about what to get.

Shop locally and seasonally

Particularly during the festive season, it’s fairly easy to find sustainable presents for loved ones.

Dunelm shares some great ideas for seasonal gifts, such as storing different produce throughout the year to then make delicious jams, chutneys, and other condiments when Christmas rolls around.

This means no last-minute shopping for imported goods, and ultimately, less waste – you could even store your spreads in reusable jars that you may already have around the house. Christmas is a great time to give edible gifts, but you can be sustainable for other occasions too. Try to support small local artisans where you can, as they’re far more likely to be using seasonal and locally-made items.

Give the gift of experiences

A gift is something that makes your loved one smile. It doesn’t have to be a physical item, and often, it’s experiences that people enjoy the most. Whether it’s something as simple as a low-carbon bike ride, or a more indulgent, luxurious stay in an eco lodge, what truly matters is spending time together and simply enjoying our beautiful planet, without causing it harm.

If you do choose to gift an experience, be mindful of the potential carbon footprint. If it involves driving somewhere (or any other kind of carbon-producing transport) it may not end up being as sustainable as you’d like.

Have a loved one who’s passionate about sustainability? Consider giving a donation in their name, or organising a volunteering trip. You could plant trees together, participate in a beach clean, or even get stuck into some ocean conservation work – each of these experiences will help you both to make a positive difference.

Author bio: Emily Healy

Emily is passionate about protecting the planet and advocating for more sustainable gift-giving. She likes to craft homemade gifts and give meaningful experiences where she can.